Rangers broadcaster Barnett takes leave of absence

Air Force F-16's fly over the ballpark before a June 29 game between the Texas Rangers and Oakland Athletics at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. (US Presswire Photo)

ARLINGTON, Texas -- The Texas Rangers announced Monday that television play-by-play voice Dave Barnett will be taking an indefinite leave from his position.

"I want to thank everyone for your kind sentiments and words of encouragement over the last couple of weeks. It has meant a lot to me during what has been a very difficult time," Barnett said in a statement. "Effective immediately, for health reasons I will be taking an indefinite leave of absence from my broadcasting duties that I expect to last for the remainder of the season. I would ask that you please respect the privacy of me and my family during this time."

Barnett has been off air since an incident during a June 18 broadcast of a Rangers-Padres game. In the eighth inning of that game, the 54-year-old broadcaster began speaking gibberish, including a passage in which he said "the go-ahead run is at fifth on what (Rangers relief pitcher Mike) Adams is insisting on calling a botched robbery," according to the Dallas Morning News.

After a quick cut to commercial, Barnett was able to finish the game without further incident.

Originally, the episode was blamed on a migraine, and Barnett was pulled off two subsequent telecasts. However, Barnett has not appeared on a telecast since.

Steve Busby, who has presided on the television side of Rangers broadcasts, will continue in that role, according to the team.